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anti_formalist12's review against another edition
4.0
Clear, concise, and measured. About as good a single volume on the rise of ISIS and the impact it had as you’ll find.
idrees2022's review against another edition
1.0
A book about Iraq and Syria that manages to completely sidestep the regime's role in subverting a people's uprising by using indiscriminate violence and the sectarian card. The most controversial claims in the books are dubiously sourced, attributed to "intelligence officer in a neighboring country" (obviously Iran, since Cockburn names every other intel service). Cockburn also goes on to make the curious case that after 9/11, the US should have attacked Saudi Arabia and Pakistan (He appears not to know that the latter has lost over 10,000 soldiers fighting the "war on terror"). Overall a superficial, distroted and partisan account of the conflict, which sheds little light on the conflict.
auspea's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent reporting and analysis of the events leading to the rise of ISIS. Remarkably written before the summer of 2014 when ISIS exploded onto the world stage. Must read for anyone interested in what's really going on in the Middle East.
alli_ram's review against another edition
4.0
A quick and concise history of ISIS and how it became such a powerful movement. It's easy to read and understand, and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to gain a little more understanding of what's currently happening in Syria/Iraq.
***If the book seems repetitive or like it has a lack of continuity at times, it's because the book is actually a compilation of articles that Cockburn all wrote separately. Each chapter is a different piece he wrote at a different time.***
***If the book seems repetitive or like it has a lack of continuity at times, it's because the book is actually a compilation of articles that Cockburn all wrote separately. Each chapter is a different piece he wrote at a different time.***
auspea's review
4.0
Excellent reporting and analysis of the events leading to the rise of ISIS. Remarkably written before the summer of 2014 when ISIS exploded onto the world stage. Must read for anyone interested in what's really going on in the Middle East.
dav's review
3.0
That whole region is so fucked, and pretty much every sovereign or revolutionary entity involved (including the West) is just making it worse. ISIS is pretty much like if the KKK took over the entire South.
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